What are the six World Marathon Majors?

We examine the six marathon races given the title of World Marathon Major.

Taking place on some of the most famous streets in the world, these six marathons are sought-after events for amateur and elite runners alike.

What are the six World Marathon Majors?

Tokyo Marathon

Tokyo Marathon details:

• First race: 2007
• Course views: Metropolitan Government Building, Imperial Palace, Tokyo Tower, old town of Asakusa, Tokyo International Exhibition Centre.
• Men's course record: Eliud Kipchoge, Kenya, 2002 (2:02:40)
• Women's course record: Brigid Kosgei, Kenya, 2022 (2:16:02)
• Number of runners: 38,000 (2023)

Boston Marathon

Boston Marathon details:

• First race: 1987
• Course views: Hopkinton State Park, Ashland Clock Tower, Natick Center Cultural District, The Forever Young statue, Copley Square
• Men's course record: Geoffrey Mutai, Kenya, 2011 (2:03:02)
• Women's course record: Benzunesh Deba, Ethiopia, 2014 (2:19:59)
• Number of runners: 30,000 (2022)

London Marathon

London Marathon details:

• First race: 1981
• Course views: Cutty Shark ship, London Eye, Big Ben, Tower of London, Buckingham Palace
• Men's course record: Eliud Kipchoge, Kenya, 2019 (2:02:37)
• Women's course record: Paula Radcliffe, Great Britain, 2003 (2:15:25)
• Number of runners: 40,000 (2022)

Berlin Marathon

Berlin Marathon details:

• First race: 1974
• Course views: Brandenburg Gate, Victory Column, Reichstag, Potsdamer Platz
• Men's course record: Eliud Kipchoge, Kenya, 2022 (2:01:09)
• Women's course record: Tigst Assefa, Ethiopia, 2022 (2:15:37)
• Number of runners: 40,000 (2022)

Chicago Marathon

Chicago Marathon details:

• First race: 1977
• Course views: Grant Park, Wrigley Field, the United Centre, Guaranteed Rate Field, Chinatown, Boystown
• Men's course record: Dennis Kimetto, Kenya, 2013 (2:03:45)
• Women's course record: Brigid Kosgei, Kenya, 2019 (2:14:04)
• Number of runners: 40,000 (2022)

New York City Marathon

New York City Marathon details:

• First race: 1970
• Course views: Staten Island, Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx, Central Park
• Men's record: Geoffrey Mutai, Kenya, 2011 (2:05:06)
• Women's record: Margaret Okayo, Kenya, 2003 (2:22:31)

Who has completed the six World Marathon Majors?

Runners who complete the six World Marathon Majors earn the esteemed Six Star Medal.

Notable names who are part of the exclusive Six Star Medal club include:

• Paula Radcliffe (British athlete)
• Edna Kiplagat (Kenyan athlete)
• Adele Roberts (British broadcaster)